Is Christmas Just A Racket?
Friday, December 18, 2009 at 11:03AM MAD21 By Heather (Balance With Purpose)
“Let’s face it. We all know Christmas is just a racket
set up to make people buy lots of stuff they don’t need.”
~ Lucy Van Pelt
Is Lucy from Peanuts right? Is Christmas a racket? Are we sucked into buying more than we can afford by retail ads promising the “lowest prices of the season?” Do we buy items we wouldn’t normally buy just because they were truly low prices?
So, how have you fared this holiday season? Did you overspend? Did you keep to your list? Did you set and stick to a budget?
Christmas is a week away. There are a few items on my list that I didn’t find, but I purchased other items in their place. I’m thinking I need to stop, but it’s so hard. I know if I keep looking I can find those items on the list with no checkmark to the left.
Charlie Brown always has one item on his list–to find the true meaning of Christmas. Do you have that checked off your list? I know I struggle from time to time making sure others can see the meaning of Christmas in me.
We all know the significance of December 25, but do we live our lives remembering the significance? Will someone see Christ in us if they were to witness the looks on our faces as we wait in line to pay for a single Christmas gift? Will they see hope in us as we search and find that last parking space available at the mall? Do we offer grace to others who cut us off while driving or kindness to those who rush past knocking something out of our hands by accident even when they might not show kindness themselves?
It is not for me to judge whether others get the true meaning of Christmas, but it is up to me to make sure I understand the meaning and share it with others through my actions. It is up to me to make sure that my gift to my neighbors this Christmas is love, kindness and grace–the same gift God gave me when he gave his son to me.
Lucy is right. She is also human (okay, that’s a stretch) and is seeing a very human world in which Christmas is a racket set up to force other non-perfect humans to overspend on things they don’t need
You know what? I am finished shopping this year, because the best gift I can give didn’t cost me anything. It was already paid for and delivered.
Heather Sunseri is a Christian, wife and mother of two young children. She has worked as a CPA for the past 15 years for thoroughbred horse farms and in public accounting in Central Kentucky. She spends her free time as an inspirational writer and enjoys the little things in life from long bike rides in the country to homemade pizza and family game night.
Reader Comments (11)
I know what you mean. I try to be friendlier to the people who are cashiers and work in retail. I try to smile more, figuring they are seeing a lot of tired grumpy faces.
We haven't done any Christmas shopping this year accept for ornaments for an ornament exchange (think grab bag with ornaments), and food for a family gathering. My husband and I have back problems, so we may check Bed Bath and Beyond for a sale on something helpful, and give it to each other. We don't have kids, so we can keep the shopping pretty simple.
Thanks for stopping by, Helen. I think it's fantastic to keep shopping simple. And it's gift enough to offer those cashiers and people working retail your smile. I'm sure they appreciate it.
I think Christmas is only a racket if we allow it to be. I used to go overboard but these days we keep our gifts inexpensive and well thought out. No gifts bought on credit, no overspending, no going over budget-because as you so aptly said, that isn't what it's all about. Thanks for the post Heather!
I cut back this Christmas with spending. If the kids wanted something expensive, well, they just got one present. Part of me thinks it is not enough, but I am learning it really isn't about the amount of presents. It's more about getting together, and sharing life with one another. My kids are older and understand more, and I am thankful for that!
Great post, Heather!
Thanks Heather, you managed to nail me over the head and still leave me smiling. I truly appreciate this time of year. Jesus paid it all, and all to Him I owe. The tree is up, lights are lit, presents are wrapped, all that remains is my offer of praise.
I didn't find everything on my list either, but there is one gift that I know I'll never go without!
Well, Tamika, I promise I'm nailing myself over the head as well. I usually think these things up after I've made God frown at me. Thankfully, I'm forgiven and so are you.
Unfortunately, for some it is a racket, but in others I can really see Jesus in them--not just this time of year but always.
Great post!
Hi Heather -
I think you put your finger on a key point. It's up to each individual to keep the true meaning of Christmas at the forefront of their lives.
For me, I budget a certain amount. When that's gone, I stay out of the stores. It's too easy for me to get caught up in the buying frenzy.
Also, when I'm in the stores and a clerk says, "Happy Holidays," I respond with, "Merry Christmas." These folks are instructed not to offend customers. My response with a smile tells them, "it's okay to wish me a Merry Christmas."
Blessings,
Susan :)
Wow! Thanks for letting the 'rubber meet the road,' Heather! Such practical ways that we can behave in a Christian way for all to see. Sometimes I think it's all in what we say, but in reality, our actions often speak louder than our words! Great post! God bless you!
You're so right, Heather. It's important to remember the reason for this season... and to live that while we go about our Christmas preparations. The reason for it is much more than presents. Thanks for this reminder, Friend! Have a great Christmas!
I couldn't agree with you more. I'm done shopping too. You just reminded me of the greatest gift ever.